Liberty is being free from the things we don't like in order to be slaves of the things we do like.--Ernest Benn

Sunday, February 9, 2014

The 2014 Season Starts Off With a Whimper

But I liked it!
In light airs, 4-9 knots, we finished 17th out of 19 (I think it was). Our personnel was 50 percent new to the boat. I put the time to good use by surrendering the helm to my guest skipper immediately after making a perfect start. This guy has his own boat on the market, knows the routine in our venue and is a thoroughly experienced racer with just a little rust. With his hands on the wheel, supervised by Trophy Wife, I felt at ease moving around on the boat. And, as is always the case when I have a knowledgeable sailor on board, I learned stuff. Today I was able to relearn stuff I had known before but had forgotten. Breaking with routine will do that for you.

Another plus+plus was that new people were afforded time and opportunity to handle different key parts of working the boat, and learned Das Boot's procedures.

Can't wait to get out there again! And soon, before I forgot what our new crew learned!

Sozadee CA

Sozadee is a state of mind. It was discovered (or founded) many years ago on a hot August afternoon's sail out of Newport Beach. There was no wind (at least any stronger than the current) and a burning, glaring sun. The limp sails afforded no shade. All aboard knew the outboard was questionable. The ice on the beer was melting and discussion was skirting the issue of sunstroke. Suddenly, the word "Sozadee" was uttered, the breeze returned, and all was well.

Weather

Sailing is not the Answer. Sailing is the Question. "Yes" is the answer!

Olin Stephens II

"...increasing age has brought with it a loss of agility as well as less tolerance of discomfort, and my active enjoyment of sailing has become less. Reluctantly I admit today that the important place in my life once occupied by sailing has been replaced by a computer."